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LOL!
Jumping in front of Rashad?!
What are you talking about?
Rashad was in fron of everyone for almost one year, waiting for his title shot.

Not wanting to fight your teammate, because you consider him like family or you have certain moral values, is one thing.
Passing out on the opportunity to fight for a world championship belt, especially when your teammate is injured and you don't know when and/or in what shape he comes back...is a whole different thing!

Comparing these situations is like comparing onions and oranges.

I don't think Junior dos Santos felt sorry when he knew he got a title shot...and poor Nog had to fight off injuries.
Even if that situation didn't imply a title shot for both guys.

Pride GP, 2005: Shogun beat Overeem in the semifinal.
In the other semifinal, Wanderlei was fighting Arona.
At that moment, Wanderlei and Shogun were training partners.
They could have met in the final, but Arona beat Silva and thus, the MMA community/fans were robbed from a fight that would have been very very interesting to watch.
Shogun eventually destroyed Arona, i assume you know that.
But i don't think he was tormented by guilt or other sentimental feeling because Arona beat Silva. In fact, i believe he was more pumped than ever, trying, not only to beat Arona and win the title, but also avenge Silva's loss in the process.

PS: That fight not happening is one of my biggest regrets about MMA!

limba I like reading your posts but you're a typical biased nutthugger. It's cool, everyone's biased when it comes to their favourite fighters and JBJ is your case.

Doesn't really matter how long Rashad was at the front of the queue, you're not the one who claims to be his buddy who you've sworn not to fight. The point is they have this agreement so they needed to stay well clear of each other. Bones has a HUGE career ahead of him, it's not like he's beat a top contender and is literally knocking at the door. He beat Ryan Bader, he's stepping up to fill the gap but at the same time it's putting a massive block on Rashad's career at LHW if he wins.

I'm not saying Rashad should have kept his place in line even, or that Jones doesn't deserve a shot. I'm saying given the circumstances, given how Jones and Rashad are claiming to be too close to fight, they should also be too close to step on each others toes when it isn't really necessary.

I respect that Jones is taking his chance and more power to him for stepping up, but reality is he's stepping on Rashad at the same time. I'm not even a fan of either of these guys so I really don't care, I'm calling it how I see it. These guys have created this situation by making this agreement not to fight, and now Rashad might never get another chance to fight for the title again.

If I was in Jones' shoes, if I was that good and knew it, I'd stay out of the way so Rashad could have one last push. I'd know deep down Rashad would lose the title within one or two fights, and I'd know in the meantime I'd crush some fool. Then a year or 18 months later, I'll be even better, still young, still with many years of fighting ahead of me, and I'd go get the title. If the guy is really his friend, considering how good Jones is, he could have done that.

But like I said, they both created the situation and one of them has bit the dust. If Jones wins then tough.

Jones hasnt been doing MMA for a very long time, how long has he actually known Rashad for? I would like to think that if they are not willing to fight each other then there relationship has to go back more then a couple of years. Everytime one of these types of threads comes up, the same thing comes to my mind. Act like professionals and treat this like a real sport. Refusing to get into the octagon with one of your training partners is essentially sending the message that this is actually just a glorified street fight where peoples feelings are going to get hurt and everything is personal. If you are going to call yourself a professional athlete, you should act like one.

limba I like reading your posts but you're a typical biased nutthugger. It's cool, everyone's biased when it comes to their favourite fighters and JBJ is your case.

Doesn't really matter how long Rashad was at the front of the queue, you're not the one who claims to be his buddy who you've sworn not to fight. The point is they have this agreement so they needed to stay well clear of each other. Bones has a HUGE career ahead of him, it's not like he's beat a top contender and is literally knocking at the door. He beat Ryan Bader, he's stepping up to fill the gap but at the same time it's putting a massive block on Rashad's career at LHW if he wins.

I'm not saying Rashad should have kept his place in line even, or that Jones doesn't deserve a shot. I'm saying given the circumstances, given how Jones and Rashad are claiming to be too close to fight, they should also be too close to step on each others toes when it isn't really necessary.

I respect that Jones is taking his chance and more power to him for stepping up, but reality is he's stepping on Rashad at the same time. I'm not even a fan of either of these guys so I really don't care, I'm calling it how I see it. These guys have created this situation by making this agreement not to fight, and now Rashad might never get another chance to fight for the title again.

If I was in Jones' shoes, if I was that good and knew it, I'd stay out of the way so Rashad could have one last push. I'd know deep down Rashad would lose the title within one or two fights, and I'd know in the meantime I'd crush some fool. Then a year or 18 months later, I'll be even better, still young, still with many years of fighting ahead of me, and I'd go get the title. If the guy is really his friend, considering how good Jones is, he could have done that.

But like I said, they both created the situation and one of them has bit the dust. If Jones wins then tough.

Shogun by KO.

well shogun had to fight some1, if JBJ didnt want to fight him...who would?? there is literally no1...

well shogun had to fight some1, if JBJ didnt want to fight him...who would?? there is literally no1...

I agree. My original point was JBJ and Rashad should be willing to fight each other, solves this mess properly. No problem in Jones having a shot, but it's sad for Rashad if he can't have another one after beating T.Silva and Rampage, albeit in the most boring way possible in both fights

When i play Football/Soccer vs my friends Team and he does a hard tackle on me , ill tell him how i feel and then after the game its all hugs and hand shakes.

The point is its a sport to determine who is the best in each weight if you and your friend are 1 and 2 i think you have an obligation to yourself and the fans to fight but that doesnt mean afterwards you cant be friends and better still its like a motivator if your friend has out done you , you will want to get back in there and try and beat him.

Unless they are family related i dont see an excuse why grown men cant put friendship on hold for 15-25 mins.

limba I like reading your posts but you're a typical biased nutthugger. It's cool, everyone's biased when it comes to their favourite fighters and JBJ is your case.

Doesn't really matter how long Rashad was at the front of the queue, you're not the one who claims to be his buddy who you've sworn not to fight. The point is they have this agreement so they needed to stay well clear of each other. Bones has a HUGE career ahead of him, it's not like he's beat a top contender and is literally knocking at the door. He beat Ryan Bader, he's stepping up to fill the gap but at the same time it's putting a massive block on Rashad's career at LHW if he wins.

I'm not saying Rashad should have kept his place in line even, or that Jones doesn't deserve a shot. I'm saying given the circumstances, given how Jones and Rashad are claiming to be too close to fight, they should also be too close to step on each others toes when it isn't really necessary.

I respect that Jones is taking his chance and more power to him for stepping up, but reality is he's stepping on Rashad at the same time. I'm not even a fan of either of these guys so I really don't care, I'm calling it how I see it. These guys have created this situation by making this agreement not to fight, and now Rashad might never get another chance to fight for the title again.

If I was in Jones' shoes, if I was that good and knew it, I'd stay out of the way so Rashad could have one last push. I'd know deep down Rashad would lose the title within one or two fights, and I'd know in the meantime I'd crush some fool. Then a year or 18 months later, I'll be even better, still young, still with many years of fighting ahead of me, and I'd go get the title. If the guy is really his friend, considering how good Jones is, he could have done that.

But like I said, they both created the situation and one of them has bit the dust. If Jones wins then tough.

Shogun by KO.

I am just a big fan Hiro. Nothing more, nothing less.

1. If you look at it closely, you will see, 90% think this was the right decision, from Jones and the UFC.

2. This situation could have easily been avoided if Rampage would have ccepted the fight, even though i think he didn't deserve a title shot.
Truth is, and i think you will agree, there wasn't anyone else left to fight against Shogun:
- Rampage - pass
- Griffin - tough fight + light injury
- Machida and Couture - fighting each other and neither deserving a title shot

The only fighters that the UFC could have approached to take this fight, based on their latest results would have been Matt Hamill (5-0 run) and Phil Davis (4-0 run).
I am convinced there would have been an outrage if Hamill, who was pretty much destroyed by Jones would have gotteh the title shot.
And Davis is too *green*.

Jones was the logical choice here. That is all! He said it himself - he didn't expect this to happen, expecially in the ring.
And pls, put yourself in his shoes: after the fight, in the ring, with 15000 people in the audience watching you and cheearing for you and millions all over the world - you just won a fight and Joe tells you Rashad's syoty and then, he basically hits you.
And, if you look at the moment again, Joe says: "the UFC wants to give you the chance...". They're not even asking you: "will you?!....".
And the UFC doesn't give title shots like this, unless you're BJ or Brock...(that's true).
The UFC acted brilliantly in this case, by revealling their plan in front of millions of fans. From a psichological point of view, it was perefect.
They knew Jones wouldn't say NO! Noone would have said NO! I can guarantee you that!
Plus, the UFC scored big, in the eyes of the fans, in terms of genuineness and originality.

3. The thing is, when Jones became a member of Team Jackson, Rashad and the other fighters there were consulted before giving the OK, for Jones becoming their team member.
When Rashad said: "ok, let this kid - allready a young talented prospect at that time - become a member of our team", he definitely knew the implications that will result from this situation. I don't think he could have predicted this situation coming so soon.
That is all.
We can only speculate on what kind of agreements they've made inside or outsied of their gym, in terms of not fighting eachother and fighting for the title if one or the other is injured.When Jardine fought Rampage, the winner of that fight would have gotten a title shot and rumours had it, that if Jardine would have won that fight, he would have passed on the opportunity to fight for the belt...
I really felt sorry for Rashad because of his injury, but what can you do. It happens.

Jones about not fighting Rashad:

Quote:

If Rashad Evans won the belt, which I’m hoping he does, my only goal would be to be the toughest contender there is, and keep whipping butt without being champion. I’d stay at 205 and be the second best. That would be my goal. As I said, I’m hoping he wins, we’re very proud of him. I can’t do it.”

[I believe you know this, but maybe there are others who aren't familiar with the situation, so...just in case.]

I will close this by saying: passing out on such an opportunity could have serious repercussions for you career, even if or ... especially if you are a young talented prospect, who is beating everyone and letting people now: "i wanna be a champion one day".
From the UFC's perspective this is pure gold: "OK kid, here is your chance! let's see!".
The UFC doesn't really tolerate "no teammate vs teammate" agreements, but as long as they are able to put other big fights together, it's all good.The AKA trio: Fitch-Koscheck-Swick case is the most famous one and we all know Dana's thoughts about this.

But if the UFC (DANA) badly need(s) you to fight, and it's not a *teammate vs teammate case* involved, you better accept the fight.
If you say NO - that's self sabotaging your career!

PS: Believe it or not, this is an obective point of view.
The subjective point of view is: i want Jones to beat Shogun.

I just can't believe a fighter would limit his career and his success in a situation like this. Realistically they could have avoided each other, but they haven't, so now Rashad could be done at LHW. No one wants to see him knocking off contenders and never fight for the title. That's bullshit. The whole thing is ridiculous. They need to be more professional and deal with it, or they shouldn't have created it in the first place.

I just can't believe a fighter would limit his career and his success in a situation like this. Realistically they could have avoided each other, but they haven't, so now Rashad could be done at LHW. No one wants to see him knocking off contenders and never fight for the title. That's bullshit. The whole thing is ridiculous. They need to be more professional and deal with it, or they shouldn't have created it in the first place.

Indeed.

Ever allowing a division to get into the situation where the top 2 fighters wont fight? Disastrous. Why? Who does the #3 guy fight? Do they flip a coin? What about the #4? Will every fighter have to go through the #2 guy? If so, who will fight the champ???

Its a god damn mine field and the only reason people think its ok for team mates not to fight, is because it hasn't actually been a problem yet.

But, long term, it'll have to stop for the sake of the belts... which are worthless when the champ has never fought the #1 contender. Having he belt without knowing you are the best is bullshit. Good luck sleeping with that.

I just can't believe a fighter would limit his career and his success in a situation like this. Realistically they could have avoided each other, but they haven't, so now Rashad could be done at LHW. No one wants to see him knocking off contenders and never fight for the title. That's bullshit. The whole thing is ridiculous. They need to be more professional and deal with it, or they shouldn't have created it in the first place.

Well, you (we) would need to look at this situation from two perspectives:
1. from Jones prespective: he said he would fight everyone not named Rashad, if Rashad would be the champ - for as long as it takes
2. from Rashad's perspective: he said he would fight others, or move up or down, if no other alternatives would appear for him at LHW